Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the two main eating disorders. People with bulimia nervosa crave food and binge eat, though they are not emaciated. Afterwards they make themselves sick or misuse laxatives to get the food out of their bodies.

Sufferers are very afraid of becoming fat. Bulimia nervosa usually starts in the mid-teens, but is again more common in girls (16).

What are the signs?

You find that you worry more and more about your weight, binge eat, make yourself vomit and/or use laxatives to get rid of calories, have irregular menstrual periods, feel tired, feel guilty, stay a normal weight, in spite of your efforts to diet (16).

In both anorexia nervosa and bulimia, self-help strategies can be very helpful (16). If this approach does not work, health professionals may suggest a course of psychotherapy.

Mental health professionals need a variety of skills to treat people with eating disorders. A doctor can help diagnose the illness and any associated physical problems resulting from it.

If someone has lost a dangerous amount of weight, the first step will be to help the person start to regain that weight in order to survive. A dietician can advise you on healthy eating (16).